Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Preliminary Finals Posted on September 9, 2021September 9, 2021 | Posted by Digby Beacham FRIDAY Melbourne v Geelong, Optus Stadium, 5.50pm Soon after the final siren sounded last Friday night, the discussion started. Geelong wouldn’t be able to get within a bull’s roar of Melbourne in the preliminary final. It made sense given minor premiers Melbourne would hit the clash full of beans after a week’s rest. While the Cats weren’t overly impressive, they did what they had to opposed to GWS. And it was only a few weeks ago that they did kick eight goals in the second term against the Demons. Melbourne hadn’t conceded more than five at any other stage of 2021. It is that effort — and we all know that Melbourne roared back to life after half-time — which will ensure Simon Goodwin and his players are on red alert. The return of Zach Tuohy last week was significant for Geelong, but so too is the fact the Demons not only finished on top of the table, they beat the Cats both times they met this season. VERDICT: Melbourne by 12 points SATURDAY Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, 5.40pm How fit is Marcus Bontempelli? Looking at him limp to the boundary line late last Saturday night and his reaction after the Western Bulldogs sealed a pulsating win over Brisbane would suggest not very. But a week is indeed a long time in football and the Bulldogs named their inspirational captain, who will be given every chance to get himself up for this preliminary final assignment. And so he should. Already without Cody Weightman (concussion), the Bulldogs need as many fit players as possible to cause an upset. If Bontempelli does line up, what percentage will he be? It will be fascinating to see whether Luke Beveridge rolls the dice against a Port side that is healthy, fleet of foot and clearly advantaged by playing at home, albeit before a reduced crowd capacity. VERDICT: Port Adelaide by 20 points Market Market
Matt Young’s Tuesday Gloucester Park Preview October 20, 2025 Race 1 MIKI WINDERMERE (9) is a horse who can do plenty of work in his races and this grade looks suitable, can watch things… Read More
Matt Young’s Monday Pinjarra Preview October 20, 2025 Race 1 THAT’S NOT MY GAIT (7) performed a lot better on Friday night and looks to be heading in the right direction, the grade… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Monday Greyhound Best Bets October 20, 2025 NORTHAM Race 1 No. 2 Outlaw McGraw Veteran chaser still racing well, won two back here from an inside draw in 17.34, vacant box next… Read More
Shayne Williams’ Saturday Greyhound Best Bets October 18, 2025 CANNINGTON Race 2 No. 4 Clifton Jasper Nice young pup going through the grades, was a winner two back in 29.91. Has won 3 from… Read More
TIPS – Greyhound Jet Set Podcast October 17, 2025 Mandurah Friday David Shortte 3-2 Sky Reign 5-5 Surf The Sun 6-9 Elite Deluxe 8-3 Sunset Oyster ROVING BANKERS : 2-2 Jayde McCool / 4-4… Read More
Weekend Tipsters October 17, 2025 Caulfield Saturday Glenn Ingram Quaddie 1 3 11 – 2 3 8 10 – 15 – 1 2 5 10 Best Bets 3-3 Just A… Read More
Glenn Ingram’s Saturday Caulfield Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 SULEK lands in a good spot midfield or forward of, a progressive type on the improve and will be strong late. BACASH got… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Randwick Preview October 17, 2025 Race 1 Everest day at Randwick on Saturday plus the Group 1 King Charles, there’s also a cracking support card. Keep an eye on the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 SATURDAY SESH took full advantage of the on-speed nature of the Kalgoorlie track over the traditional annual race round and recorded his third… Read More
Apocalyptic poised to conquer Caulfield October 17, 2025 The Melbourne Spring Carnival kicks up a notch this Saturday as Caulfield hosts a selection of the Carnival’s most anticipated races, including the Thousand Guineas…. Read More
Ka Ying Rising ready to shake up Australia October 17, 2025 When the gates crash back at Randwick for The Everest, all eyes will be on Ka Ying Rising – Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the… Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Kalgoorlie Preview October 17, 2025 RACE 1 LAVISH CHARM looks a $1.12/$1.14 pop? Two runs this prep for Peter Fernie: maiden win over 1200m by 4.4L at $1.24 and a… Read More